Who said that expansion hasn't worked for the NHL?

Congratulations to Patrick Eaves and and James vanRiemsdyk, who were the first two selections in the draft, and the first two Americans to be picked back-to-back in Draft history. Eaves is from Buffalo and vanRiemsdyk from New Jersey, and it goes to show that while TV ratings in the states aren't necessarily breaking records, participation is at an all-time high in America and more and more players are coming out of the country.

I think it was a pretty good draft for the Red Wings as well. Their first-round selection of Brendan Smith, a puck-moving defenseman should fit well in the team's future for when Nicklas Lidstrom retires. Plus, he's 6-foot-1 and has the ability to be a physical presence on the ice as well. He'll be attending Wisconsin and should be fun to monitor over the next two years.

I've finally finished the tribute video I've been working on in regards to the NCAA National Champion Spartans and look for me to post that soon.